Karan Arjun's Casting Secrets: A Blast from the Past

The 1995 blockbuster reincarnation saga, Karan Arjun, is set for a re-release in cinemas this Friday, November 22nd, igniting a wave of nostalgia and excitement among fans. Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, in a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, decided to spill the beans on some behind-the-scenes casting secrets that have left fans stunned. The revelation? Salman Khan wasn't the first choice for the film; that honor went to Ajay Devgn.

The Initial Casting Choices for Karan Arjun

Rakesh Roshan, during the initial planning stages of Karan Arjun, approached Shah Rukh Khan, with whom he had previously collaborated on the 1993 action comedy King Uncle. In fact, Rakesh Roshan was the first film producer to pay Shah Rukh Khan, even before the completion of his debut film, Deewana (1992). He also cast Ajay Devgn, due to a long-standing friendship with Ajay's father and action choreographer, Veeru Devgan.

An Unexpected Twist in Casting

According to Rakesh Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn initially expressed their desire to switch roles, with Shah Rukh wanting to take on the action-hero role and Ajay opting for a romantic role. Roshan explains, "They both came to me – Shah Rukh and Ajay. They said, ‘Sir, we want to talk to you. We want to interchange our image. My (Shah Rukh's) image is romantic, his (Ajay's) image is of an action hero. I want to do action, and he'd do romantic.'" However, Roshan wasn't convinced that switching their roles would improve the film.

The Road to Salman Khan and Beyond

After this initial discussion, Rakesh Roshan then approached Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, who had previously starred together in Andaz Apna Apna. However, the final casting decision had a significant turning point. Shah Rukh Khan had a change of heart, expressing his desire to be a part of Karan Arjun after all. He expressed his gratitude to Roshan for giving him a break in the industry and said, "No no, let me do it. You gave me my break. I'm getting sleepless nights that I'm not doing the film." This led to Aamir Khan being let go, and the iconic duo of Shah Rukh and Salman were finalized.

The Making of a Bollywood Classic

Karan Arjun, produced by Rakesh Roshan's Filmkraft Productions, boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Kajol, Mamata Kulkarni, Raakhee, Amrish Puri, Johnny Lever, and Ranjit. The film's enduring success is partly attributed to its unique narrative, exploring reincarnation and family bonds in a fresh and engaging way. Rakesh Roshan skillfully balanced the on-screen chemistry between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, resulting in a blockbuster hit that continues to be celebrated even today.

Hrithik Roshan's Early Days in Bollywood

The film also marked a significant moment in the career of Hrithik Roshan. Even though he is labeled a "nepo baby," his entry into Bollywood wasn't easy; he started as an assistant director under his father. Rakesh Roshan ensured that his son did not have an easy start. In an interview with News18, the director shared, "He (Hrithik) wanted to join films. I said if you wanted to join films, then you become an assistant director. He had two choices - he can go abroad for further studies or be here. He chose to be here. He chose to be my assistant. He thought it would be a very rosy walk with me, but it was not." Hrithik's experience as an assistant director for Karan Arjun gave him valuable insights into filmmaking.

A Legacy of Hard Work and Dedication

Rakesh Roshan also highlighted the work ethic of the film's lead stars in a recent interview with Pinkvilla. He praised Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Kajol for their consistent hard work and dedication over three decades of their careers. He remarked, "I think they are terrific. Both of them. Hats off to them, even Kajol. They’re still today they are working in films even after 30 years. It’s tremendous. It is their willpower, and they looked after themselves physically also, and they are on it all the time." He further added, "They’ve not given up ke hum bade star ban gaye hain superstar ban gaye hain (We’ve become big stars or superstars). They are still the same if you meet them. They’re still the same, hardworking boys as they want to do something new, as they want to experience something new." This speaks volumes about their commitment to their craft.

A Modern-Day Karan Arjun?

In a conversation with ETimes, Rakesh Roshan shared his vision for a hypothetical modern-day reimagining of Karan Arjun. He suggested that Hrithik Roshan would be an ideal fit for Karan's role and Ranbir Kapoor for Arjun's, though he firmly ruled out making a remake or sequel. This casting choice reflects Roshan's astute understanding of today's actors, their strengths, and how they would embody these roles. This hypothetical casting alone generated significant buzz among fans. The re-release of Karan Arjun promises a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of Bollywood, filled with action, emotion and family drama. The original Karan Arjun remains a beloved classic for a reason, and its re-release is certain to resonate with audiences of all ages. The film's enduring legacy and the revelations around its initial casting decisions highlight the enduring power of storytelling and the talent involved in bringing a beloved classic to life. The film's re-release is eagerly anticipated, promising a nostalgic cinematic experience for generations of fans. The impact of the original Karan Arjun on Bollywood is undeniable, its themes of family, love, and reincarnation remain resonant. The behind-the-scenes stories, including the casting revelations, only add to its enduring charm. Let's see if the re-release lives up to the hype.